Towing load limit

[paulyg]

If I bought a caravan with an ATM of 2800kg, But I only loaded it to 2500kg, which is my auto Patrols towing limit, would that be legal?

[tryan277]

If I bought a caravan with an ATM of 2800kg, But I only loaded it to 2500kg, which is my auto Patrols towing limit, would that be legal?

Yesssss? A guarded yes
Have you weighed it after you loaded it?
Have a look here - get comfortable - there is a lot of reading and much more, Yes its a Prado referred to but the towing limit is the same. Not sure of the towball weight limit.
https://www.caravanersforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=149&t=85490

Cheers
Trevor

[paulyg]

Thanks Trevor, I haven't bought the van yet, just trying see what I can legally do.

[geoffayres]

No problem with what you're asking. What it's plated at is not important, it's the actual weight that matters.

Keep an eye on your tow ball weight and GVM. Max load on the rear axle is 1800kg. Very easy to exceed....

[jff45]

If the ATM is 2800 kg then it's important to determine the real tare weight. If the tare is around 2300 - 2400 then you're going to hit the 2500 kg limit very quickly.
Don't believe the plated tare weight because it might have been done before the A/C, etc was added. Get it weighed empty before you pay for it.

[mudnut]

The max towball weight isn't all that great on Patrols. I tried ringing Nissan Australia for the GQ and I got the reply, "Maybe 100kg." Do the GUs have a sticker somewhere stating the Towing weight and Towball weight?

[Cuppa]

If the ATM is 2800 kg then it's important to determine the real tare weight. If the tare is around 2300 - 2400 then you're going to hit the 2500 kg limit very quickly.
Don't believe the plated tare weight because it might have been done before the A/C, etc was added. Get it weighed empty before you pay for it.

Good advice!
Also running at the limit, whilst legal, is not generally considered wise by those knowledgeable about such things.

[paulyg]

Thanks, the tow limit on auto Patrols is a joke.

[pollenface]

Are you buying the van from a commercial or private seller? Some places will not let you hitch it up to your vehicle if it doesn't meet the towing requirements.

[paulyg]

Only looking at whats legal at the moment, I can not find any difference between an auto or manual patrol, besides the transmission, so I am not to worried about towing at close to its legal limit.

[jack]

I’ve been towing pretty close to the limit and had no issues. Got the auto serviced by a reputable auto shop and he told me the trans oil was still mint. Happy to recommend Gerard Geyle Performance Automatics - he’s local to you.
I never tow in overdrive.

Here’s the sticker showing towball limits from the rear barn door.

81208

[paulyg]

Thanks Jack, I have had my auto serviced at Geyle Performance Automatics before, very happy with the service.